Pharaohs track Choto

Brighton Zhawi
ZIMBABWE volleyball star Douglas Choto has caught the attention of Egyptian giants Zamalek and Al Ahly.
The 20-year-old captained the Zimbabwe beach volleyball team at the Olympic qualifiers in Cairo recently but did not return with the rest of the squad after the Egyptian clubs asked to have a closer look at him.
Zimbabwe crashed out of the qualifiers after succumbing to defeats from the hosts, Rwanda and Angola but Choto’s impressive performances did not go unnoticed.
Zimbabwe Volleyball Association secretary general Ringisai Mapondera confirmed that Choto remained in Egypt.
“We are really happy for the young man,” he said.
“It’s also good motivation for other players as this is a sign that there is life in volleyball. We wish him well and we believe he will do it.”
National beach volleyball head coach Vengayi Nyaude is also confident that Choto, a young brother to former Warriors defender Dickson, will be signed by one of the clubs that are after his signature.
“He is a talented player, he is young and has good chances of getting signed by either Zamalek or Al Ahly. There is also another army team that wants him too.
“I understand there is also interest from a Turkish club but we are still to gather more information on that,” said Nyaude.
Volleyball administrator Enzanai Madzivire, who is a developmental officer at the Confederation of African Volleyball, played a crucial role in securing trials for Choto, sources revealed.
Meanwhile, Nyaude has commended his team for a “great effort” at the Olympic qualifiers.
“We had a young team that was helped by the experience of Nyasha Takawira and I must say the boys played well, results might not show the performances they put but they did well.
“We played some close games but failed to finish off and I believe it’s something we can work on,” said the gaffer.